Picture Post: A Twentieth Century Icon

Описание: As part of the RPS Historical Group's series of talks looking at historical collections of photography, photographic archives, and those working historical and alternative processes this talk looks at the work of Picture Post magazine. It is presented by Dr Bronwen Colquhoun and Dr Tom Allbeson and hosted by RPS Historical Group chair Gilly Read FRPS.

Before 24-hour news and social media, how did people see the world? In the 1930s, Picture Post revolutionized the way Britain understood itself. This ground-breaking photo-magazine captured everyday life, major events, and shifting social attitudes, reaching 1.7 million readers at its peak. The exhibition at National Museum Wales in Cardiff, on which this talk is based brings Picture Post to life through striking photography, revealing Britain’s transformation from the 1930s to the 1950s. From war and politics to cultural change, discover the moments that defined a nation. Experience the power of photography to inform, challenge, and connect—just as Picture Post did for a generation.

Dr. Tom Allbeson is a Reader in Media and Photographic History at Cardiff University and co-editor of the Journal of War & Culture Studies. His research concerns media history and visual culture in contemporary Europe and the US with specialisms in photojournalism and conflict, collective memory in post-conflict societies, and urban history. His first book –Photography, Reconstruction and the Cultural History of the Postwar European City – was published in 2020. His second book – Conflicting Images: Histories of War Photography in the News – was co-authored with Stuart Allan and published in 2024.

Dr. Bronwen Colquhoun is Senior Curator of Photography at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. She curates the exhibition programme for the Museum’s permanent photography gallery as well as contributing to temporary exhibition programmes. She previously worked as Assistant Curator of Photographs at the Victoria and Albert Museum and holds a PhD from Newcastle University. At Amgueddfa Cymru Bronwen has curated photography exhibitions including ‘Swaps: Photographs from the David Hurn Collection’, ‘Women in Focus’, ‘ARTIST ROOMS: August Sander’, ‘Bernd and Hilla Becher: Industrial Visions’ and ‘Martin Parr in Wales’.